Nov 22, 2013

Create A Concrete IT Strategy

By James Carter


The development of a practical IT strategy encompasses an evaluation of the vendor, risk and technological angles of a business or organization. It aims at addressing human resource issues and cutting on operation as well as production costs. The plan is anchored on the vision of the business and exemplifies how technology makes it easier to achieve more. Technology should lead to reduced turnaround time, cost of operation, more efficiency and increased production. The journey begins at the current situation and moves towards a technology driven future.

There is a business and corporate angle that shows how technology will be exploited by organizations and their associates to create value on all ends. There is need to incorporate members of all departments in designing the plan. They are drawn from the business development, legal and information technology sectors. The aim is to ensure that integration is smooth and adds value to the processes and operations.

The details of such plans depend on the nature of each work environment. While most projects run for three to five years, implementation requires a great deal of flexibility. Information technology develops fast which calls for the need to adapt at the earliest opportunity. Provision for such changes must be made in the plan.

Sections that must be included are expected benefits from technology introduction, the aims and scope of implementation, method and approach and how it relates to the overall goals of the organization. Other details to be captured are impact on human resource. There is need to monetize the budgetary effects and future projections on staffing.

The policy must summarize the strong points within the firm that are going to anchor implementation. An inventory is taken on the strength, weakness and existing infrastructure within the organization. Any reliance on external resources to facilitate or run the system should be explained. Costing of integration and training is included and the expected changes as a result of introduction of a new system.

A comprehensive policy must include the opportunities presented by such changes. This includes reduced human resource expenditure, cost of management or better efficiency. These aspects should be quantified. Information technology has its share of threats and weaknesses. These occurrences are likely to reduce profitability or expose the organization to competition. They are the areas that make a business vulnerable. They should be included in the plan and counter measures necessary.

The structure of organization and management is always affected by technological changes. This is explained in the policy as well as the responsibilities of everyone involved in running the system. Implementation milestones according to the set timelines are revealed. There is a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual scorecard. Everything should be built alongside the general vision of the organization that is enhanced or made easy by technology.

A comprehensive IT strategy captures the goals of an organization and how technology will help them find a solution. It reflects a need to change the approach in circumstances, understands customer needs and aligns them with the vision of the organization. A progressive approach ensures smooth transition by catering for the needs of employees, the organization and its clients within a balanced atmosphere.




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